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  5. Monterey
Award-winning

Sardine Factory

4.7
4.7
4562 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Every city has that one can’t miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 26 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Daily 8:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 373-3775
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Robert J. Mancuso, CMC
  • Private party facilities
    Whether a family gathering or a corporate event, our professional and warmly attentivestaff assists in coordinating each detail. The Sardine Factory offers three unique and elegant dining rooms which provide a choice of ambiance for groups from 12 to 220 and luncheon groups from 25 and up. Call us to get your event started! (831) 373-3775
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Monterey
  • Cross street
    Prescott
  • Parking details
    Enter off of Wave Street ascending the driveway. Self park Sunday through Thursday with self park or valet service available Fridays and Saturdays. ADA Wheelchair entrance from parking lot.
  • Public transit
    MST stop less than 2 blocks away on the corner of Wave St. & David.
  • Entertainment
    David Conley at the Piano Tuesday through Saturday. David has been a professional musician since the age of 17. He has played in numerous bands, opening for various acts such as Steppenwolf, Black Oak Arkansas, Rick Derringer, Crash Test Dummies and more. Versatile and accommodating David takes and plays requests from Led Zeppelin to Elvis Presley to the Everly Brothers.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,562 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Seafood

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Ambiance

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Great for fine wines

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Romantic

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Good for special occasions

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Seafood

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Most Booked

4,562 Reviews
  1. Kari

    Alabama

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance , wonderful food and excellent friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  2. ColinT

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wait staff was excellent, when our waiter saw me looking at the wine list he offered to bring the somalier over. The somalier figured out our palate and brought over his recommended wine, which was excellent. Our food was really well presented and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  3. TERRYK

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Expect delays on holidays and limited menu options

    Is this helpful?

  4. NoreenB

    San Francisco

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Thanksgiving dinner. This was our fourth year - now a tradition!

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  5. SusanV

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated early in the Conservatory room, a beautiful garden atmosphere. My server, Antonio, was very gracious and helpful in navigating my gluten allergy needs. Overall, a wonderful experience.

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  6. HelenS

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Our entrees were perfectly prepared. Salad overdressed

    Is this helpful?

  7. Toof

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent thanksgiving dinner in a beautiful dining area. Very helpful and friendly servers.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We love the Sardine Factory. A constant in great food and service over many years, and we had a wonderful meal and experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Marsh

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving at the Sardine Factory has a become a tradition with our family. Always delightful

    Is this helpful?

  10. JoeL

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been dining at the Sardine Factory for well over 50 years. There is absolutely no place on the Monterey Peninsula that we would rather dine than at the Sardine Factory. This is, without a doubt, the best restaurant in Monterey and, likely, one of the very best in California. There is no restaurant in the world that we would rather go to than the Sardine Factory. If it were not for the fact that it's 80 miles from our home, we'd be there weekly.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Dalailama

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was one of the best eating out experiences we have had. Our waitress Jennifer was fantastic and her support person Reggie did an excellent job of supporting her. The food was so good. I had a Caesar salad and it alone was worth our visit. In addition I had the prime rib—another great choice with marvelous asparagus. My husband had the lobster special and he thought it was outstanding. It was my husband’s birthday and they made him feel special. We have never had a bad meal or bad service at the Sardine Factory. It is our first choice in Monterey restaurants.

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  12. mrop

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fantastic! We had wild abalone abalone and king salmon. Both cooked perfectly. The service was efficient without being intrusive. The sommelier made an excellent selection. Best meal in long time. We also enjoyed being in the Conservatory and will request that from now on. Thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  13. MAPC

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    A must visit if visiting Monterey and Cannery Row. It’s a piece of history

    Is this helpful?

  14. MarkT

    Miami

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great wine selections. Rachel is an awesome Som for wine selections! Was a great experience for a birthday celebration!

    Is this helpful?

  15. SharonB

    Hawaii

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our anniversary here with prime rib dinners, and it was fantastic! Great food, service and atmosphere for any occasion. We will definitely be back.

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  16. Sarah

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolute perfection. This has been my favorite restaurant for years. The atrium, the professionalism and inviting nature of the staff, the incredible ambiance, and the food. Good lord the food. I am obsessed with the ribeye and truffle butter and we drive 3 hours specifically for it. Even the drinks are perfect. I don’t like alcohol but tried his Old Fashioned and it was fantastic. Sardine Factory is on its own level.

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  17. TXwine

    Dallas

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second time dining at The Sardine Factory and we loved it as much as the first time. Such a welcoming yet elegant environment with exceptionally friendly staff. The food was excellent - their bread is amazing. Wine list and personalized sommelier service definitely enhanced our overall experience. We highly recommend this restaurant.

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  18. Luv2travel

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous!!! Such great, friendly service, beautiful setting and yummy food. A delightful evening for my husband and me.

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  19. Gabs

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friends and I went to have dinner and the food was soooo delicious. Salmon is probably the best for me. And you will not regret having some dinner here. It was fantastic. Lastly, our server Ignacio was very helpful and polite. It felt like he was checking in us every 10 mins. He was very good. ☺️ I definitely recommend you stopping by especially if you’re trying to impress someone on a date. 👍

    Is this helpful?

  20. IsabellaD

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best resturant in town we diffinetly come back and good services

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  21. RonB1

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    A little old/tired facility which I know is also part of the experience Great service food pretty good - but at $$$$ prices Oysters were small at $54/dozen don’t recommend

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  22. StevenM

    Orlando

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience5
    Ambiance was great. Wife was impressed. Food? Absolutely horrible. Fish was dry, pasta sauce had ZERO flavor. House salad looked like it came from Walmart. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fabulous. The staff couldn’t have been nicer. The presentation was beautiful. The food was every bit as good as it looked. We got a quiet table in the conservatory which was absolutely perfect.

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  24. LindaP

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely perfect restaurant! We come here every time we visit Monterey. The owner stopped by our table to ask how we were doing. We chatted with him about the production of “Play Misty for Me,” some of which was filmed in Sardine Factory. If you’re looking for an iconic Monterey restaurant, this is it. Delicious food and you can’t beat the ambience. Just lovely!

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  25. ChrisM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, and for a fancy restaurant, it was worth the price. And even the prices weren't through the roof for some of the items. Staff were friendly and well informed. Ambience makes you feel like your on the Titanic.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear ChrisM, Thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to review our restaurant. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your food and service. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will visit us again very soon. And we prefer to think of our restaurants as eclectic and timeless, rather than Titanic.

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  26. MichaelB

    San Joaquin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Somm Natalie, very knowledgeable and made outstanding recommendations.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear MichaelB, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  27. MikeC

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food , service and ambience . Make sure you get a tour of the wine cellar

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear MikeC, Thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to review our restaurant. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your tour of the wine cellar. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will visit us again very soon.

    Is this helpful?

  28. GiseleM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at Sardine Factory and we were not disappointed. Service was impeccable and food was excellent. Great combo!

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear GiseleM, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  29. MarcoG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    We come here about 4 times a year when we're in the Monterey area and usually love it. This time we were disappointed. Food was cold and service was mediocre compared to all other times. Menu has also changed, but that wasn't the disappointing factor. Will probably still be back as this was the only time we were not satisfied.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear MarcoG, Thank you for your informative review, we appreciate you taking the time. We’re sorry to hear that this occasion fell short of your expectations. Thank you so much for mentioning your intention to visit us again. We look forward to making things right for you.

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  30. MarcoM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This Restaurant’s Service was exceptional. All the servers were spectacular. Amazing food, great atmosphere, and by far the best Monterey Bay restaurant I have been to.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear MarcoM, Thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to review our restaurant. We are delighted to hear you thought the service was exceptional. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will visit us again very soon.

    Is this helpful?

  31. DavidD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My Prime rib was the best l have ever had. The sole was perfect. Deserts were heavenly. We don’t drink but the wine looked good good. I will come back soon. Don was a excellent waiter. He was attentive and not pushy. Thanks for the adventure.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear DavidD, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  32. GeorgeL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    We arrived, were seated and then waited 30 minutes before finally asking to be seen by our waiter. He had kept looking at us and the menus on the table but didn’t bother checking with us or other staff to see why we weren’t being served. A special occasion diminished by inattentive people.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear GeorgeL, Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed with your experience at The Sardine Factory, and that the staff fell short of your expectations. We will pass your comments on to the Management and Owners. We sincerely hope you will allow us to serve you again in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  33. DennisW

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my wife’s birthday and had a wonderful time! The food, service and ambiance were great!

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Dennis, Thank you for choosing The Sardine Factory to celebrate your wife’s birthday. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your food, service and ambiance. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to serving you again!

    Is this helpful?

  34. BrendaM

    San Joaquin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and we had wonderful service. This was our first visit to the Sardine Factory, and we will definitely go back. Highly recommend!!!

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 15, 2023

    Dear BrendaM, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  35. EricB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Understated from the outside, all class and quality on the inside. Great service, great food in an elegant setting.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Eric, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  36. LarsW

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Old style nice ambiance but somewhat overrated in our view probably due to past good performance.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Lars, Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. We’re sorry to hear you didn’t think the previous reviews offered an accurate description that would align with your experience. We can assure you, the reviews, both those in the past and more recent are legitimate. We sincerely hope you will try us again in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Andrew

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My partner and i had a date there after a long day at the aquarium. we were seated immediately and the staff were amazing. their conservatory seating was absolutely beautiful and the food was delicious. would definitely come back again if i’m in the area

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Andrew, Thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to review our restaurant. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your “date” at our restaurant. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will make plans to visit our community again very soon.

    Is this helpful?

  38. JustynaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was one of the best restaurants we've ever been to! Beautiful! Service was just exceptional! Food was excellent and they really go above and beyond to make sure you're happy! Highly recommend!

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Justyna, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Sandy

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first time at the Sardine Factory. Cocktails delightful. I ordered the calamari steak with scallops and prawns and the clam chowder. My daughter had the prime rib. Both meals were to die for. Service was perfect and they topped the night with a complimentary decadent chocolate birthday dessert. Always had heard good things and was not disappointed!

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear Sandy, Thank you for choosing The Sardine Factory to celebrate a birthday. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your food, service and complimentary cake. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to serving you again!

    Is this helpful?

  40. skptommie

    Minneapolis

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to dinner around 7:45 on Friday night. Atmosphere is so cool. Walked in and the bar had a great piano player playing. Dinner was in the conservatory and the service with Marissa was top notch. She was fantastic. Drinks were wonderful. Somalia was great. The room was beautiful. Good food. Bread was absolutely worth every calorie. Had a few drinks in the bar after and listened to music. So much fun. Only complaint would be the bartender kept getting my drink wrong and was annoyed I kept coming up and asking for soda instead of tonic. The last time I did this I am almost positive he just poured soda into the drink with tonic. Annoying but still would absolutely recommend this restaurant.

    Sardine FactoryResponded on November 8, 2023

    Dear skptommie, We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. We will look into your comments about our bartender. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again very soon!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Sardine Factory is rated 4.7 stars by 4562 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 26 times today
Google Map for Sardine Factory

701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Prescott
  • Neighborhood
    Monterey
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Daily 8:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Enter off of Wave Street ascending the driveway. Self park Sunday through Thursday with self park or valet service available Fridays and Saturdays. ADA Wheelchair entrance from parking lot.
  • Public transit
    MST stop less than 2 blocks away on the corner of Wave St. & David.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Robert J. Mancuso, CMC
  • Entertainment
    David Conley at the Piano Tuesday through Saturday. David has been a professional musician since the age of 17. He has played in numerous bands, opening for various acts such as Steppenwolf, Black Oak Arkansas, Rick Derringer, Crash Test Dummies and more. Versatile and accommodating David takes and plays requests from Led Zeppelin to Elvis Presley to the Everly Brothers.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (831) 373-3775
  • Private party facilities
    Whether a family gathering or a corporate event, our professional and warmly attentivestaff assists in coordinating each detail. The Sardine Factory offers three unique and elegant dining rooms which provide a choice of ambiance for groups from 12 to 220 and luncheon groups from 25 and up. Call us to get your event started! (831) 373-3775
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